NALA cheer on thousands of young readers in more than 540 schools for MS READaTHON 2013

Reading is at a peak with thousands of young people and children reading thousands of books for the 26th MS READaTHON. More than 540 schools around the country have signed up to read and raise funds for people with Multiple Sclerosis. The National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA) is cheering on the young readers in their efforts.

“Schools based reading initiatives are a great way to bring books, stories and reading to students and families. By participating in these initiatives, you bring a culture of reading to the individual and the family and this has long term benefits for future learning. NALA encourage reading in the family and www.helpmykidlearn.ie has lots of reading tips for parents,” Inez Bailey, Director, NALA.

MS Ireland, the society for services, research and information supporting people with MS, is encouraging young readers in schools everywhere to bring in some of their books and do a book swap: “A book swap day will mean you get to read even more great books, and you won’t run out of books to read,” Paul Dietrich, MS READaTHON manager urges.

The official 26th MS READaTHON reading period runs from October 11th until November 11th 2013 in one month of reading to support people with MS in Ireland.

Increasing awareness of MS through stories is another important part of MS READaTHON. This year the MS READaTHON is fronted by 16 year-old Kerry Manning with her story, ‘My Dad has MS’. By telling her story, Kerry has helped lots of children and young people to understand MS and the challenges faced by more than 8,000 people and families living with MS in Ireland.

Irish authors including Cecilia Ahern, Sarah Webb, Eoin Colfer, Derek Landy, Oisin McGann, Judymay Murphy, Marisa Mackle and Darren Shan are supporting the 26th READaTHON with tips and advice for young readers and budding writers.

Last year more than 16,000 children and young people around Ireland took part in MS READaTHON. Their efforts raised funds for local services such as one-to-one support for those newly diagnosed or struggling with their MS; physiotherapy and exercise classes; and respite to help the person recharge and to give their family a break from providing care.

Visit www.msreadathon.ie to find out more, check out reading lists for each age group, book reviews, competitions and enjoy great content from Irish authors.

For schools around the country, the 26th MS READaTHON provides:

• Individual gift or certificate for each reader
• School and Library awards
• 10 per cent of the money raised goes back into much needed resources for each participating school
• The “Great Teacher Holiday draw”

To get involved with the 2013 MS READaTHON:

Tel:  01 678 1600

Email:  read@msreadathon.ie

Visit:  www.msreadathon.ie

Over 8,000 people have MS in Ireland, with thousands more family members affected. Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic, often disabling disease and is the most common disabling neurological condition affecting young people in Ireland. MS can be a physically disabling condition but it can also affect the social, financial and emotional wellbeing of the person with MS.

MS READaTHON is the key annual fundraising campaign of MS Ireland, the services, information and research society supporting people affected by MS.

For more information on MS and MS Ireland, visit our website on www.ms-society.ie, call our information line on 1850 233 233 or email info@ms-society.ie.